Genomes galore

Abstract

Watson and Crick certainly attracted attention in April 1953 for discovering the double helix, but their paper was just over one page in length and entirely theoretical. Now, in 2003, barely a month goes by without the announcement of yet another genome sequence, adding to the enormous treasure trove of information that Watson and Crick could only have dreamed of 50 years ago. A symbolic gesture to this 50th anniversary, the human genome sequence — all 3.2 billion letters of DNA code — is now virtually complete. It has been a mammoth task, involving 20 lab-oratories and hundreds of researchers around the world. It is a magnificent achievement in just 12 years. And yet the real work, say some, is only just beginning.